Axangayuk Shaa, also known as Aqjangajuk Shaa, was a prominent Canadian Inuit sculptor born on March 17, 1937, in Shartoweetuk camp near Cape Dorset, Nunavut. He passed away in 2019. Shaa began his carving career in the mid-1950s, encouraged by James Houston, and he continued to create art for over 60 years. His works are celebrated for their dynamic energy, dramatic expression, and emphasis on volume, space, and texture, often inspired by the natural shape of the stone.
Shaa was primarily a sculptor, though he also created notable drawings and prints. One of his most successful prints, "Wounded Caribou," was part of the 1961 Cape Dorset Annual Print collection. His sculptures are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 2003, he was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.
Axangayuk Shaa's legacy includes not only his art but also his influence on the next generations of Inuit artists. He was known for his quiet, kind demeanor and his contributions to the cultural heritage of his community.
